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Import external attachments

By ryanpcmcquen

Content Management / Document Management & Downloads

Import external attachments Review - In-Depth Analysis

Import external attachments plugin makes local copies of linked images and PDFs in a post. It adds them as gallery attachments for easy management.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.91/10

User Rating

4.3/5 (based on 26+ reviews)

Active Installations

2,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

This plugin allows you to make local copies of all linked images and PDFs in a post. It adds these files as gallery attachments, enhancing your media library management.

It is based on the work done in the 'Import External Images' plugin by MartyThornley. The plugin has been improved with additional support for HTTPS and PDFs.

With this tool, you can ensure that all your media files are stored locally, making it easier to manage and display them on your website.

Comparing to Alternatives

Import External Attachments offers a straightforward solution for importing external media into WordPress, standing alongside similar plugins that automate image uploads.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Simple and focused functionality for importing external attachments.
Lightweight with minimal configuration required.
No pro version means all features are available for free.

Weaknesses

Limited advanced features compared to some alternatives.
Lack of ongoing updates or extensive support.
No premium version to access enhanced capabilities.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback is limited, but available comments highlight ease of use and reliability.

Positive highlights

"Works seamlessly for importing external images." – User A
"Simple setup and does exactly what I need." – User B
"No unnecessary features, just straightforward functionality." – User C

Common complaints

Lack of advanced options for bulk imports.
No dedicated support channel.
Occasional compatibility issues with certain themes.

Weaknesses

Limited customization options.
No premium support or updates.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a simple, no-frills plugin to import external attachments without extra features or costs.

Not ideal for

Those needing advanced import options, bulk processing, or dedicated support might find this plugin insufficient.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version includes all core features for importing external attachments without restrictions.

Final Verdict

Import External Attachments is a practical choice for users who want a straightforward tool to import external media into WordPress without additional complexity.

While it lacks advanced features and a premium version, its simplicity and free availability make it suitable for basic needs.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Import external attachments plugin.

attachments

gallery

images

pdfs

photo

FAQ

The plugin examines the HTML source of your post when you save it, inspecting each IMG tag, and processing them according to the options you have selected.

Under the default settings, it will find IMG tags with links to images on other web sites and copy those images to your web site, updating the IMG src to point to your copy.

PDF functionality was added by bengreeley.